The Right Mortgage & Protection Network held the third in its series of specialist workshops aimed at advising on equity release and later life lending last week.

The Equity Release Council reported last week that third quarter lending activity saw over £1bn of property wealth unlocked for the first time in any quarterly period. Equity release lending has more than doubled in two years to reach £870m in Q1 2018.

The Later Life Lending Network, the equity release arm of The Right Mortgage & Protection Network, has recently been granted membership to the Equity Release Council.

Wednesday’s workshop saw the introduction of the networks new lead generation session, which was presented by Canada Life.

Martin Wilson (pictured), CEO of The Right Mortgage & Protection Network, said: “It’s important our members view themselves as equity release specialists. Since launching the later life lending network earlier this year we have been committed to providing support through our regular training and workshops to help our members gain confidence and competence.”

The series of three workshops ran in April, June and October and were hosted by a number of leading equity release and later life lending providers which covered the products available on the market, open discussions and lead generation tips.

Adam Stretton, managing drector of The Right Mortgage & Protection Network, added: “The workshops are backed up by our member’s website, which includes resources from ourselves and the equity release lenders to help advisers generate leads with the tools they need.”

Chris Smyth of LV=, said: “LV= were delighted to be invited to the recent equity release event hosted by The Right Mortgage & Protection Network. The day ran smoothly with some great later life lending round table sessions. A good mix of qualified, and looking to become qualified equity release advisers attended and we definitely felt our proposition was very well received. We look forward to the next one.”